48 with C4

[4544speed]

I am new to the forum but have been reading for about a year. I have read many of the builds and threads.

This is my first thread so please be excuse my ignorance, I am learning.

My plans are to use a late model 5.3 and 4L60E. Plan is to rebuild the stock C4 suspension and brakes. Good quality work but not show quality. Not sure I won't change my mind but right now that is the plan. I have a complete corvette and had planned to use everything I could. I am still debating that.

I have started installing the Flat-Out engineering C4 front and rear setup. Plan is to rebuild the stock C4 suspension and brakes. Good quality work but not show quality.

If you have any input, suggestions or comments please let me know.

So a few pics of how I found the truck. There has been discussion about whether this is a 47 or 48 but title shows 48, so thats what I call it.

I think someone was in the process of a build or rebuild years ago. Not sure it was just one truck.

[4544speed]

I do not have any photos of removing the cab and engine. I did not want any incriminating photos of the old redneck in the yard with a rope over the tree limb tied to the bumper of my Dodge. That was a lot of fun without a hoist.

On to stripping the frame of all the original gear.

[4544speed]

Welding all the holes. Wish I had made some plugs to weld in. How long can it take to weld up a few holes?

[4544speed]

I went ahead and cut out a little of the front crossmember for clearance on the rack and pinion.

[4544speed]

Whew! how many holes can this thing have. I was beginning to think someone tried to lighten it up .....

[4544speed]

Even though I have a complete 92 vette, I found a screaming deal on CL. Front, rear and rack. I could not pass it up.

By now, you guys are probably thinking I am going to do all the build outside..

[xpickup]

Hi Don, That is a good looking truck. Yes I think Chevy was trying to lighten them up with all the holes. I am going to cut back the front crossmember for the added rack room too. As you know I will be watching.

Shannon

[4544speed]

Thanks, If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

[chev3600]

Looks like you have a better starting point than me! I like it.

[Kabwe]

Sounds like you have a very nice plan. Keep posting those pics.

[NEWFISHER]

Nice! Subscribed.

[4544speed]

chev 3600- I saw you build. I hate to say it but yea mine will be easy compared to yours. Thanks

Bam- I have seen you build thread and a lot of your input around the threads. I look forward to some coaching from you. Thanks

NewFisher- Geat burb. Thanks

I look forward to any input you guys may have. I have been reading a lot of the posts (most of them actually) and picking up tips.

I will post some more photos tomorrow.

[4544speed]

The garage was full and had to sell one to make room.

[mavdog32]

Uh I hope it was the C5 that was sent to a new home!

[4544speed]

I ordered both front and rear kits from Flat-Out. So here is the start of the front suspension.I just kinda laid it out to see where everything would be installed

[4544speed]

Tacked the metal in for boxing the frame. Wish it was a little longer but I can add some more later. A few cuts with the band saw then flip the frame over to cut the botton and check the fit. Yea, the welding is not as good as what most of you on here are doing. .

[4544speed]

So, You don't just slide the cross member in. I cut out an area that will eventually be cut for the R&P steering.

[xpickup]

4544speed, Looks good. I still have to do the cut out for the rack. I am also going to trim back the factory front cross member for added rack clearance.


Shannon

[98layinframe]

Looks like a nice solid truck to start with!


Dumb question possibly, but after seeing several of you guys install the new x member and having to cut so much to fit it in... would it be possible to just remove the rivets holding the front crossmember in, remove that member and then flex the frame together enough to slide the new suspension member in? Once its in place, just bolt the front member back in place?
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[4544speed]

98- That's a good question ! I wish there was a better way. When I did mine, I thought since I had to cut out the area for the R&P, I might as well do it at the same time. Once the new crossmember is in place you don't need as much of the old one. I do not know if the frame would flex enough to insert the new front cross member.

I like the way Shannon (xpickup) did his. It looks a lot cleaner.

[STOCKISH]

How's the progress buddy?